Stomach Pain After Sex in Females

“Why do I cramp after sex?” 

“Why does my uterus hurt after sex?”

Uncomfortable stomach pain after sex can be frustrating and may make it harder to enjoy being intimate. While every woman’s body is different, if you find yourself repeatedly wondering about this, there may be an underlying cause.

In this article, we aim to shed light on 13 common reasons and offer support as you decide on your next steps.

Why Does My Stomach Hurt After Sex?

Some women may experience abdominal pain after sex and may think that it’s a normal part of intercourse for them. While relatively common, stomach pain after sex isn’t necessarily normal and can sometimes be a sign of a potential muscular, gynecological, urinary, digestive, or even psychological issue. 

As we unpack some common causes, we’d like to share a reminder to always talk to a medical professional if you’re experiencing persistent pain.

Stomach Pain After Sex in Females: 13 Common Causes

1. Muscle Strain or Orgasm Contractions

Sometimes, stomach cramps after sex can be a result of overworked abdominal or pelvic muscles, dehydration, or post-orgasm spasms.

2. Digestive Issues

Common digestive issues, such as constipation, gas, or chronic conditions, such as IBS, can lead to stomach cramping after sex.

Your menstrual cycle can sometimes affect your digestion and cause some uncomfortable symptoms. If you are experiencing this, you could try drinking balancing teas, such as the Mira Fertility Tea. Specially formulated with ginger root, goji berry, peppermint, and more, this tea is a powerful blend that supports internal balance and provides gentle, supportive relief for women. 

3. Urinary Problems

Women are significantly more likely to experience urinary tract infections (UTIs) than men. Bladder irritation or UTIs are not uncommon and can be caused by sex, pregnancy, or certain conditions such as kidney stones.

Common symptoms include:

• Needing to pee more often, or urgently, than usual

• Cloudy urine

• Blood in your urine

• Dark or strong smelling urine (also a sign of dehydration if this is the sole symptom)

4. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

For women, lower stomach pain is a common symptom of certain STIs, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.

Common symptoms include: 

• Unusual vaginal discharge

• Burning sensation when peeing

• Itchy sensation in the genital area

If you think you may have an STI, you must get tested to ensure you find relief from uncomfortable symptoms and prevent the STI from becoming more serious. 

5. Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are very common, may not have symptoms, and often resolve on their own. However, sometimes they can twist or rupture, which can lead to sharp abdominal pain.

Common symptoms of ovarian cysts include:

• Heavier, lighter, or more irregular periods than usual

• Pain during sex

• Bloating

* If you feel that you may have had a ruptured cyst, speak to your doctor.

6. Ovulation Pain (Mittelschmerz)

Ovulation pain, mittelschmerz, can mean that ovulation is happening or has just occurred, that sex may intensify.

It’s not usually a cause for concern, but if you are noticing ovulation pain after sex, there’s a chance you may conceive if you’re having unprotected sex. 

If you want to confirm what you’re feeling is mittelschmerz, it’s handy to track your hormones to see if they indicate ovulation at the time of this pain. For example, the Hormone Monitor and Wands are user-friendly, scientifically backed tools that provide data that syncs with the Mira App, so you can track your readings and get a clear, data-led view of your cycle.

7. Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign growths, and because many women with fibroids have no symptoms, they are often identified during routine check-ups. 

Common symptoms include:

• Heavy or painful periods

• Constipation

• Pain during sex

If you’re noticing symptoms of fibroids, speak with your healthcare professional so they can make an official diagnosis and look into possible causes with you.

8. Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial-like tissue, similar to the uterine lining, develops outside the uterus. While there’s no known cure, certain treatments, surgery or medication can offer relief.

Common symptoms include:

• Painful or heavy periods that are debilitating

• Pain during/after sex

• Pain when going to the toilet

It can take a long time to receive an official diagnosis for endometriosis, so it’s important to speak to your doctor about any concerns. The sooner you reach out, the sooner your doctor can begin testing, helping you on your journey to support and relief.

9. Tilted (Retroverted) Uterus

A backward-leaning uterus, known as a tilted or retroverted uterus, can make penetration painful. It doesn’t tend to cause or be linked to any health concerns or affect your fertility. 

Common causes include:

• Endometriosis

• Congenital condition

• Childbirth

• Menopause

• Scarring from past pelvic surgeries or infections

You may find treatment through addressing the underlying cause, performing targeted exercises, or even surgery.

10. Vaginal Conditions

Sometimes, women with certain vaginal conditions may notice discomfort when having sex. These common conditions include:

• Vaginal Dryness: Often caused by hormonal changes, menopause, or birth control

• Vaginismus: A condition where your vaginal muscles involuntarily tighten when attempting penetration, whether this is during sex or with a tampon or smear test

• Vulvodynia: A chronic vulvar pain that can greatly affect your daily and sexual life

Certain vaginal conditions particularly affect menopausal women. Menopause can be a difficult and confusing time to navigate, and many women find support through our Menopause Transitions Kit. When used alongside the Menopause Transitions Mode in the Mira App, you can gain practical insights and guidance into your hormonal shifts and identify what may be causing any uncomfortable symptoms.

11. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction can cause your muscles to stay tense instead of relaxing, leading to pelvic pain after sex. 

Common symptoms include:

• Incontinence

• Constipation

• Needing to go to the toilet more often

• Pain when peeing

However, it can be managed with medications or targeted therapies, so speak with your doctor to explore options and find relief. 

12. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, or PID, is an infection of your reproductive organs, which can come from untreated STIs or other bacterial infections. 

The common symptoms include:

• Heavy or painful periods

• Pain in the lower abdomen, fever

• Pain during sex, or when peeing

• Bleeding between periods or after sex

PID can often be cured through antibiotics, especially when diagnosed early, so it’s important to reach out to your healthcare provider if you feel you may be experiencing PID.

13. Psychological Factors

Sometimes, lower stomach pain after sex can be caused by psychological factors, rather than a medical condition. Anxiety, depression, or past trauma can all contribute to pain perception. Your emotions play a huge role in your sex life, so it’s important you feel calm, relaxed, and comfortable during intimacy.

If you feel that psychological factors may be at play with your stomach hurting after sex, help and support are available. There are many targeted experts, such as gynecologists or therapists trained in sexual health, who can help you explore these feelings and support you on the path to overcoming any emotional barriers.

Causes of Lower Abdominal Pain After Intercourse in Men

Epididymitis

Inflammation of the epididymis, a tube behind the testicles, can cause pain after ejaculation or sex in men. 

Common symptoms include: 

• Swelling or tenderness in one testicle

• Unusual warmth or redness in the scrotum

• Painful urination

• Possible discharge

Epididymitis can be caused by STIs or UTIs, although UTIs are less common in men. Relief can usually be found through a course of antibiotics following a diagnosis from your doctor.

Prostatitis

Inflammation of the prostate, known as prostatitis, can lead to pelvic or lower abdominal pain after sex. It may also present with:

• Painful ejaculation

• Frequent or difficulty urinating

• Dull pelvic pain

In some cases, prostatitis can be serious and require urgent medical attention, so it’s important that you speak with your doctor, who can help you receive the treatment you need.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Although UTIs are less common in men, they can still develop and lead to uncomfortable lower abdominal pain after sex.

If you notice a burning feeling when peeing, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or an urgency to urinate, you may have a UTI. They can be treated at home or with prescribed medications, but always consult a professional if in doubt.

Testicular Cancer

This is a rare but important cause to consider in men who are noticing stomach pain after sex. Try to always be aware of possible red flags that may indicate that something is not quite right, such as:

• A persistent dull ache in the scrotum or abdomen

• Heaviness, swelling, or lumps in the testicles

The above symptoms are common, so they may not always mean that a man has testicular cancer. However, it’s always important to get checked by a doctor as soon as you notice any worrying symptoms. 

Muscle Strain or Pelvic Tension

Vigorous activity or certain sex positions may cause strain to the abdominal/pelvic muscles, which may lead to temporary discomfort during or following sex. However, this is usually mild and short-lived compared to infection-related pain or more serious conditions.

Treatment Options

When to See a Doctor

It’s always good practice to speak to your doctor, as they can help you achieve an official diagnosis, receive necessary treatment, or simply put your mind at ease. 

To recap, here are some overarching signs to look out for that may warrant a check-up:

• Severe or recurring stomach pain after sex

• Pain with fever, abnormal discharge, or unusual bleeding

• Pain interfering with intimacy or daily activities

• Signs of ruptured ovarian cyst or PID requiring urgent care

First Steps at Home

Lubricants

If you feel that your discomfort is linked to vaginal dryness, using a lubricant during intimacy can help make things more comfortable and enjoyable.

Position Adjustments

Some sex positions can be quite uncomfortable for certain people, particularly women with endometriosis or a tilted uterus. Trying gentler or alternative positions may reduce strain, offer some relief and make sex more enjoyable.

Hydration and Relaxation

Sometimes, simply drinking enough water and practicing pelvic relaxation techniques can do the world of good for easing mild cramps. This may be particularly helpful if psychological factors are at play, as feeling comfortable and at ease is key to enjoying intimacy.

What a Doctor Might Check

When having a check-up with your doctor, try not to feel nervous or embarrassed; they’ll be used to these sorts of checks and conversations, and they are there to help you. It can help understand and anticipate what to expect during your appointment. 

Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may need to carry out the following checks:

Are you looking for some initial insight and guidance into your reproductive health? The Mira hormone specialists can provide you with expert guidance and support, as well as helpful data that you can bring to your doctor’s appointment.

Summary: Understanding Stomach Pain After Sex in Females

If your stomach hurts after sex, there could be many possible causes. While some are minor and treatable with lifestyle changes, others may require further medical evaluation or treatment.

Always remember to seek support whenever you’re unsure or worried about something to ensure you are prioritizing your overall sexual wellbeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do women feel abdominal pain three days after sex?

Stomach pain a few days after intercourse may stem from certain underlying conditions, muscle strain, or PID. Talk to your doctor if pain is severe or doesn’t go away, so you can rule out any gynecological issues.